Merlene Maine Counts

Merlene Maine Counts, 89, passed away at Satilla Bluffs on January 15 2025, surrounded by the many who loved and cherished her. The strongest of the steel magnolias, she was a passionate, faithful Christian, a devoted wife and mother, a nurturing grandmother and a warm, generous neighbor to all. Merlene truly knew that it was more blessed to give than to receive, and she became a matriarch for anyone seeking the refuge of home, in shelter or in spirit. 

She was born on May 8, 1935 in Pearson, Georgia to Beryl O Williams and Mildred Smith, and lived most of her adult life in Waycross, GA. She was preceded in death by her first great love and father of her children, James Curlon Maine (m. 1956 – 1991); husband Howard Cook (m. 1993 - 2003) and husband Audie Counts (m. 2005 - 2019). She adored and cared for these men until their heavenly departures, her commitment unwavering and ever-true. She was also predeceased by brothers Neil Williams and Jesse S Smith Jr, and best friend and baby sister, Maxine Smith. 

Merlene loved to sing, and regularly attended service and choir at Jamestown Baptist Church. If it was “Amazing Grace,” she sang the loudest, bright shining as the sun. Merlene was known for her strong southern will, her infectious, soaring laugh and nicknaming anyone who came into her life “baby.” If you needed love and support, she had plenty to offer––and she’d do it all without a hair out of place.

Merlene is survived by her children, Robert Maine, Deborah Maine Mock and Mark Counts; daughter-in-law Josette Maine, son-in-law Kenneth Mock and daughter-in law Kim Counts; brother Gerald Williams and sister-in-law Genie Williams; sister-in-law Sue Smith; grandchildren Aaron Maine (and wife Rachael), Samantha Maine, Ashley Stewart (and husband Drew), Ian Counts, KC Mock, Kristopher Mock and honorary grandson Jimmy Clark; and great-grandchildren Elijah Maine, Maximus Maine, Harley Mock and Anakin Mock and several nieces and nephews.

Service for Merlene will take place at Jamestown Baptist Church in Waycross, GA on Saturday 18 January, beginning with a viewing at 1pm and handled by Relihan Funeral Home in Pearson, GA. She will be buried at Arna Primitive Baptist Church, next to her Curlon. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following:

Arna Church Cemetery Fund

C/O

Roger Osteen

214 N Chester Ave

Douglas GA 31533

Or

Satilla Bluffs Employee Holiday Fund 

C/O

Satilla Bluffs Senior Care 

101 Satilla Bluffs Drive

Blackshear GA 3151